Carthage welcomes back home NFL cousins for second Annual “Ingram Impact” Weekend

Published 3:06 pm Monday, July 21, 2025

Carthage, Texas, proudly welcomed home NFL cousins Ja’Marcus Ingram and Keaontay Ingram for their second annual Ingram Impact Weekend—a heartfelt, community-centered event designed to give back to the town that helped shape their early years. Before returning to their respective NFL teams, the Ingram cousins poured time, inspiration, and resources into the youth and families of Panola County.

Ja’Marcus Ingram: A Story of Determination

Born in Carthage, Ja’Marcus spent his early school years in Carthage before relocating to Dallas, where he graduated from South Oak Cliff High School. A driven student-athlete, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in just two and a half years, balancing academics, football, and summer work, while carrying up to 24 semester hours. He went on to complete two master’s degrees in Business and Educational Leadership at Texas Tech University, before finishing his eligibility at the University of Buffalo. Ja’Marcus has been affiliated with the Buffalo Bills since 2022.

Keaon Ingram: Carthage to Champion

Keaontay grew up in Carthage and attended Carthage High School, excelling in football, track, and basketball. A finalist for Mr. Texas Football, he played in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game. After three seasons at the University of Texas, he transferred to USC and was later drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. In 2023, Keaontay joined the Kansas City Chiefs and became a Super Bowl LVIII champion when the Chiefs triumphed over the 49ers.

Day 1: Ingram Impact Book Signing

Inspired by his personal journey, Ja’Marcus authored “The Little Player That Could”—a children’s book that teaches perseverance, self-belief, and resilience. Held at the Turner Community Center, the book signing event transformed the space into a vibrant, activity-filled celebration. Children enjoyed face painting, bounce house, games, coloring pages from Ja’Marcus’ accompanying coloring book, and a warm meal of hot dogs, nachos, chips, snow cones, and drinks—all provided by generous community donors.

The highlight of the evening was story time with the Ingram cousins reading “The Little Player That Could”. In fact, each child received a personalized, autographed copy of the book. One lucky participant won a new PlayStation 5.

Special thanks to: Turner Alumni for donating the venue, Sharon Roberson-Jones, Excellent Teen Choice, and Alpha Gamma Sigma Longview Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., for donating pencils, colors, and time, and to all the parents and volunteers who made the event possible.

Day 2: Ingram Impact Football Camp

Saturday’s football camp brought together over 175 students ages 8–16 at the Carthage High School Field House. The camp provided high-energy, age-specific skill training—from basic fundamentals to intense drills, led by the Ingram cousins and their team. The day ended with a meaningful huddle at the “Big C”, where participants received words of encouragement, affirmation, and motivation from the Ingram Impact team.

Special thanks to: Superintendent Jarrod Bitter and Principal Justin Smith for use of the facility, the coaches, sponsors, volunteers, CISD, and parents for their tireless support, Chicken Express, who donated all lunches, as well as The Panola Watchman and KGAS.

A Mother’s Love and a Hometown’s Pride

This impactful weekend wouldn’t have happened without the vision and dedication of two proud mothers: Tresa McMillian-Hampton (mother of Ja’Marcus) and Brandie Ingram (mother of Keaontay).

We salute Ja’Marcus Ingram of the Buffalo Bills and Keaontay Ingram of the Kansas City Chiefs for honoring their roots, inspiring the next generation, and planting seeds of academic excellence and athletic achievement right here in Carthage.